The "pharmakon" of prevention: artificial immunity in the covid-19 pandemic / O "pharmakon" da prevenção: imunidade artificial na pandemia de covid-19

Abstract The concept of pharmakon encapsulates the paradoxical ambivalence of any therapeutic intervention's harmful as well as beneficial effects; within the context of immunological practices related to covid-19, this ambivalence has been successfully exploited by anti-vaccination movements and is also evident in widespread vaccine hesitancy in wealthy countries where vaccines for this virus are widely available. Here we engage with the theoretical apparatus of the pharmakon to examine how care, harm, risk, and prevention are enacted in covid-19 prevention measures and mobilize the transdisciplinary methodologies of science and technology studies to investigate how anticipatory imaginaries drive cutting-edge research on covid-19 vaccines and the clinical and social practices they have elicited.

Resumo O conceito de pharmakon abrange a ambivalência paradoxal dos efeitos nocivos e benéficos de qualquer intervenção terapêutica. No contexto das práticas imunológicas relacionadas à covid-19, essa ambivalência tem sido explorada com sucesso pelo movimento antivacina e também é evidente na hesitação vacinal generalizada em países ricos, onde vacinas contra essa doença estão amplamente disponíveis. Aqui, examinamos o aparato teórico do pharmakon para verificar como o cuidado, o dano, o risco e a prevenção são implementados nas medidas de prevenção da covid-19 e mobilizamos metodologias transdisciplinares dos estudos de ciência e tecnologia para investigar como imaginários antecipatórios impulsionam a pesquisa de ponta sobre as vacinas contra a covid-19 e as práticas clínicas e sociais que elas suscitaram.

Potential mechanisms involved on how systemic IgG antibodies specific to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and induced by active immunotherapy decrease platelet derived free-VEGF.

CIGB-247 is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-based active immunotherapy and it is currently under investigation for cancer treatment. This specific active immunotherapy encompasses two vaccine candidates that use a human VEGF variant molecule as antigen, in combination with two clinically tested adjuvants: VSSP or aluminum phosphate. CIGB-247 has been evaluated in patients with advanced solid tumors, recruited in two phase I clinical trials, and it has been shown to be safe and immunogenic by activating both cellular and humoral immune responses against human VEGF. The immunization induces specific IgG antibodies, and also shows as effect, the reduction of free-VEGF levels within platelets (platelet-derived free VEGF). The production of systemic IgG antibodies and the presence of VEGF in another compartment, almost exclusively within platelets, have arisen some questions about this effect detected in the vaccinated-cancer patients. Based on some relevant published works about platelet endocytosis and VEGF pharmacodynamics during bevacizumab treatment as well as the phase I clinical data of CIGB-247, this investigation aims to hypothesize and analyze the potential mechanisms involved in the reduction of platelet-derived free VEGF as a result of vaccination with CIGB-247.Abbreviations: FcγR: Fc gamma receptors; IC: immune complexes; VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor; VEGFR1: vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1; VEGFR2: vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2.

Monitoramento do horizonte tecnológico: Medicamentos em desenvolvimento para o tratamento do carcinoma de células renais claras (CCRcc) / Monitoring the technology horizon: Drugs in development for the treatment of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC)

A DOENÇA: Segundo dados da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) de 2018, o câncer renal representa 2,2% de todos os diagnósticos de câncer, sendo o 15º mais incidente no mundo. Em termos de mortalidade, foi responsável por 1,8% do número de mortes mundiais por doença oncológica. No Brasil, o carcinoma renal tem incidência estimada de 7 a 10 casos para 100.000 habitantes, e representa 2% a 3% de todas as neoplasias malignas do adulto. O carcinoma de células renais (CCR) representa 80% a 90% de todos os cânceres renais. A maioria dos CCR é esporádica (não relacionado a fatores hereditários), sendo que alguns fatores estão relacionados a um risco aumentado de desenvolver a doença. Os principais fatores de risco conhecidos são idade (entre 60 e 70 anos), sexo (predomínio no sexo masculino), obesidade, tabagismo, hipertensão, doença renal crônica ou cística, exposição ocupacional, uso inadequado de medicamentos, sobretudo analgésicos, fatores genéticos, anemia falciforme, cálculos renais

Anti-EGF antibodies as surrogate biomarkers of clinical efficacy in stage IIIB/IV non-small-cell lung cancer patients treated with an optimized CIMAvax-EGF vaccination schedule.

We previously reported that CIMAvax-EGF vaccine is safe, immunogenic and efficacious to treat advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. A phase III trial was designed using an optimized immunization schedule. It included higher antigen dose and injections at multiple sites. Immune response and circulating biomarkers were studied in a subset of patients. EGF-specific antibody titers, IgG subclasses, peptide immunodominance and circulating biomarkers were assessed by ELISA. In vitro EGF-neutralization capacity of immune sera and EGF-IgG binding kinetics was evaluated by Western Blot and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) technology, respectively. We show that CIMAvax-EGF elicited mainly IgG3/IgG4 antibodies at titers exceeding 1:4000 in 80% of vaccinated patients after 3 months of treatment. The EGF-specific humoral response was directed against the central region of the EGF molecule. For the first time, the kinetic constants of EGF-specific antibodies were measured evidencing affinity maturation of antibody repertoire up to month 12 of vaccination. Notably, the capacity of post-immune sera to inhibit EGFR phosphorylation significantly increased during the course of the immunization scheme and was related to clinical outcome (P = .013, log-rank test). Basal concentrations of EGF and TGFα in the serum were affected by EGF-based immunization. In conclusion, the CIMAvax-EGF vaccine induces an EGF-specific protective humoral response in a high percent of NSCLC vaccinated patients, the quantity and quality of which were associated with clinical benefit (clinical trial registration number: RPCEC00000161, http://registroclinico.sld.cu/). Abbreviations: EGF: epidermal growth factor; EGFR: epidermal growth factor receptor; Ab: antibody; AR: amphiregulin; NSCLC: non-small-cell lung cancer; rhEGF: recombinant human epidermal growth factor; BSC: best supportive care; TGFα: tumor growth factor alpha; IL-8: interleukin 8; MAb: monoclonal antibody; SPR: surface plasmon resonance.

Utilização da imunoterapia no tratamento da leishmaniose visceral canina / Use of immunotherapy in the treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a worldwide zoonosis, with dogs being the main urban reservoirs. It is caused by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania spp. and is transmitted to mammals through a vector belonging to the phlebotomines family. Its treatment aims to reduce the parasitic load preventing these animals from being transmitters. Immunotherapy has been shown to be efficient in stimulating the patients immune response, improving the general condition and preventing recurrence. This report describes the case of a dog diagnosed with canine visceral leishmaniasis submitted to immunotherapy and drug protocol, noting significant general improvement. Case: An 8-year-old female dog was treated with ulcerated lesions on the paw pads, nasal plane and lip region, onychogryphosis and ungeitis, in addition, hypertrophied popliteal lymph nodes and erosive lesions in the elbows, without improvement with previous treatments. Serological examination was then performed to diagnose leishmaniasis by the immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique with negative results. In addition, was performed puncture of the popliteal lymph node, sample in which amastigote forms of Leishmania were observed and blood sample analysis by immunochromatographic rapid test showing reagent result, confirming the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis. The treatment protocol with marbofloxacin, allopurinol, prednisolone and domperidone was initiated. Thirty days later, there was a total improvement of the lesions and healing of the paw pads. Immunotherapy was then initiated by applying three double doses of recombinant vaccine against canine visceral leishmaniasis. The applications were made subcutaneously, with an interval of 21 days between them, still maintaining allopurinol. After six months a...(AU)

Vacuna terapéutica racotumomab en un anciano con cáncer avanzado de pulmón / Racotumomab therapeutic vaccine in an elderly with advanced lung cancer

Se presenta el caso clínico de un anciano de 84 años de edad, fumador, con diagnóstico de cáncer de pulmón en etapa IV, quien fue incluido en el ensayo clínico de fase III para ser tratado con racotumumab. Se observó mejoría clínica y del estado general del paciente, pues según la escala funcional concluyó el estudio con ECOG 0. Por tanto, es oportuno destacar que esta vacuna incrementa la supervivencia de los afectados por cáncer de pulmón de células no pequeñas recurrentes o en estadios avanzados.

The case report of a 84 years elderly smoker, is presented with diagnosis of lung cancer in stage IV who was included in the phase III clinical trial to be treated with racotumomab. Clinical improvement and recovery of the patient's general state was observed, because according to the functional scale the study concluded with ECOG 0. Therefore, it is opportune to highlight that this vaccine increases the survival of those affected by recurrent non-small cells lung cancer or in advanced stages.

Specific humoral response in cancer patients treated with a VEGF-specific active immunotherapy procedure within a compassionate use program.

BACKGROUND: CIGB-247 is a cancer therapeutic vaccine that uses as antigen a variant of human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mixed with the bacterially-derived adjuvant VSSP. CIGB-247 has been already evaluated in two phase I clinical trials (CENTAURO and CENTAURO-2), showing to be safe and immunogenic in advanced cancer patients selected under well-defined and controlled clinical conditions. Surviving patients were submitted to monthly re-immunizations and some of them showed objective clinical benefits. Based on these results, a compassionate use program (CUP) with CIGB-247 was initiated for patients that did not meet the strict entry criteria applied for the CENTAURO and CENTAURO-2 clinical trials, but could potentially benefit from the application of this cancer therapeutic vaccine. RESULTS: Polyclonal IgM, IgA and IgG antibodies specific for VEGF were detected by ELISA in serum samples from patients vaccinated with 400 µg of antigen combined with 200 µg of VSSP. Polyclonal antibody response showed no cross reactivity for other VEGF family member molecules like VEGF-C and VEGF-D. Serum from immunized individuals was able to block the binding of VEGF to its receptors VEGFR2 and VEGFR1. IgG fraction purified from immune sera shared the aforementioned characteristics and also inhibited the interaction between VEGF and the therapeutic recombinant antibody bevacizumab, an anti-angiogenic drug approved for the treatment of different tumors. No serious adverse events attributable to CIGB-247 have been documented yet in participants of the CIGB-247 CUP. The present paper is a first report of our findings concerning the humoral response and safety characteristics in treated CIGB-247 CUP cancer patients. The study has provided the unique opportunity of not only testing CIGB-247 in a broader clinical spectrum sample of Cuban cancer patients, but also within the context of the day-to-day clinical practice and treatment settings for these diseases in Cuban medical institutions. CONCLUSIONS: The CIGB-247 CUP has demonstrated that immunization and follow-up of a variety of cancer patients, under day-to-day clinical practice conditions in several Cuban medical institutions, replicate our previous findings in clinical trials: CIGB-247 is safe and immunogenic.

Utilização da imunoterapia no tratamento da leishmaniose visceral canina / Use of immunotherapy in the treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis

Background: Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a worldwide zoonosis, with dogs being the main urban reservoirs. It is caused by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania spp. and is transmitted to mammals through a vector belonging to the phlebotomines family. Its treatment aims to reduce the parasitic load preventing these animals from being transmitters. Immunotherapy has been shown to be efficient in stimulating the patient’s immune response, improving the general condition and preventing recurrence. This report describes the case of a dog diagnosed with canine visceral leishmaniasis submitted to immunotherapy and drug protocol, noting significant general improvement. Case: An 8-year-old female dog was treated with ulcerated lesions on the paw pads, nasal plane and lip region, onychogryphosis and ungeitis, in addition, hypertrophied popliteal lymph nodes and erosive lesions in the elbows, without improvement with previous treatments. Serological examination was then performed to diagnose leishmaniasis by the immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique with negative results. In addition, was performed puncture of the popliteal lymph node, sample in which amastigote forms of Leishmania were observed and blood sample analysis by immunochromatographic rapid test showing reagent result, confirming the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis. The treatment protocol with marbofloxacin, allopurinol, prednisolone and domperidone was initiated. Thirty days later, there was a total improvement of the lesions and healing of the paw pads. Immunotherapy was then initiated by applying three double doses of recombinant vaccine against canine visceral leishmaniasis. The applications were made subcutaneously, with an interval of 21 days between them, still maintaining allopurinol. After six months a...

Protective efficacy of commercial vaccines against a virulent field strain of Clostridium chauvoei / Eficácia protetiva de vacinas comerciais contra uma cepa de campo virulenta de Clostridium chauvoei

Blackleg is an acute and frequently fatal infection that mainly affects cattle and is caused by Clostridium chauvoei. Formalin-killed, whole-cell vaccines are commonly used to control blackleg. The aim of this study was to verify the protective efficacy of two commercial vaccines against the infection of guinea pigs with two strains of C. chauvoei, a virulent field strain (SBP 07/09) and the reference strain used in official tests (Manguinhos-Teixeira or MT). The strains used in the challenge were characterized by whole genome sequencing, and the minimal inhibitory concentrations of 15 antimicrobials were determined. To assess the protective efficacy, guinea pigs were vaccinated and subsequently challenged with C. chauvoei. All four vaccinated and challenged groups seroconverted after vaccination, while the control group remained seronegative, as determined by indirect ELISA. The identical performance of the two C. chauvoei strains in terms of virulence after challenge and their inability to infect vaccinated animals was correlated with their high genetic homology. Both commercial vaccines showed good protective efficacy against both the reference and field strains. Although C. chauvoei vaccination failures have been reported, the results from our study and others reported high similarity among C. chauvoei strains from all over the world, which suggests that the vaccine failures are not due to antigenic variability but inadequate vaccine management.

O carbúnculo sintomático é uma infecção aguda e frequentemente fatal que afeta principalmente os bovinos, causada pelo Clostridium chauvoei. A administração de vacinas formolizadas compostas pelas células bacterianas inteiras é comumente utilizada no controle desta doença. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar, em cobaios, a eficácia protetiva de duas vacinas comerciais contra duas cepas de Clostridium chauvoei, uma cepa de campo virulenta (SBP 07/09) e a cepa de referência utilizada nos testes oficiais (MT, Manguinhos-Teixeira). Adicionalmente, realizar a caracterização das cepas utilizadas no desafio pelo sequenciamento completo do genoma e pela determinação da concentração inibitória mínima frente a 15 antimicrobianos. Para tanto, os cobaios foram vacinados e subsequentemente desafiados com. Os quatro grupos vacinados e desafiados soroconverteram, enquanto que o grupo controle permaneceu soronegativo pelo teste de ELISA indireto. O desempenho idêntico das duas cepas de C. chauvoei após o desafio in vivo e a incapacidade de infectar os animais vacinados está correlacionado com a homologia genética das cepas. Além disso, ambas as vacinas comerciais demonstraram uma adequada eficácia protetiva contra as cepas de campo e de referência. Embora o insucesso das vacinações contra C. chauvoei tenha sido previamente relatado, os resultados deste estudo, juntamente com a alta similaridade genética reportada previamente em cepas provenientes de diferentes continentes sugerem que as falhas vacinais não estão relacionadas à variabilidade antigênica, mas sim ao manejo vacinal inadequado.

Protective efficacy of commercial vaccines against a virulent field strain of Clostridium chauvoei / Eficácia protetiva de vacinas comerciais contra uma cepa de campo virulenta de Clostridium chauvoei

Blackleg is an acute and frequently fatal infection that mainly affects cattle and is caused by Clostridium chauvoei. Formalin-killed, whole-cell vaccines are commonly used to control blackleg. The aim of this study was to verify the protective efficacy of two commercial vaccines against the infection of guinea pigs with two strains of C. chauvoei, a virulent field strain (SBP 07/09) and the reference strain used in official tests (Manguinhos-Teixeira or MT). The strains used in the challenge were characterized by whole genome sequencing, and the minimal inhibitory concentrations of 15 antimicrobials were determined. To assess the protective efficacy, guinea pigs were vaccinated and subsequently challenged with C. chauvoei. All four vaccinated and challenged groups seroconverted after vaccination, while the control group remained seronegative, as determined by indirect ELISA. The identical performance of the two C. chauvoei strains in terms of virulence after challenge and their inability to infect vaccinated animals was correlated with their high genetic homology. Both commercial vaccines showed good protective efficacy against both the reference and field strains. Although C. chauvoei vaccination failures have been reported, the results from our study and others reported high similarity among C. chauvoei strains from all over the world, which suggests that the vaccine failures are not due to antigenic variability but inadequate vaccine management.(AU)

O carbúnculo sintomático é uma infecção aguda e frequentemente fatal que afeta principalmente os bovinos, causada pelo Clostridium chauvoei. A administração de vacinas formolizadas compostas pelas células bacterianas inteiras é comumente utilizada no controle desta doença. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar, em cobaios, a eficácia protetiva de duas vacinas comerciais contra duas cepas de Clostridium chauvoei, uma cepa de campo virulenta (SBP 07/09) e a cepa de referência utilizada nos testes oficiais (MT, Manguinhos-Teixeira). Adicionalmente, realizar a caracterização das cepas utilizadas no desafio pelo sequenciamento completo do genoma e pela determinação da concentração inibitória mínima frente a 15 antimicrobianos. Para tanto, os cobaios foram vacinados e subsequentemente desafiados com. Os quatro grupos vacinados e desafiados soroconverteram, enquanto que o grupo controle permaneceu soronegativo pelo teste de ELISA indireto. O desempenho idêntico das duas cepas de C. chauvoei após o desafio in vivo e a incapacidade de infectar os animais vacinados está correlacionado com a homologia genética das cepas. Além disso, ambas as vacinas comerciais demonstraram uma adequada eficácia protetiva contra as cepas de campo e de referência. Embora o insucesso das vacinações contra C. chauvoei tenha sido previamente relatado, os resultados deste estudo, juntamente com a alta similaridade genética reportada previamente em cepas provenientes de diferentes continentes sugerem que as falhas vacinais não estão relacionadas à variabilidade antigênica, mas sim ao manejo vacinal inadequado.(AU)

Does VEGF-targeted active immunotherapy induce complete abrogation of platelet VEGF levels?

OBJECTIVES: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is involved in physiological angiogenesis, but also is considered one of the key factors that promotes tumor angiogenesis. CIGB-247 is a VEGF-based vaccine that has been evaluated in phase I clinical trial patients with advanced solid tumors. This specific active immunotherapy is able to reduce platelet VEGF levels; however it is unknown whether this effect leads to a decrease in VEGF below the levels that can be observed in healthy individuals. The objective of the present study is to investigate platelet VEGF levels in cancer patients vaccinated with CIGB-247, and then compare these values with those obtained in healthy individuals. To achieve this, platelet VEGF levels of 62 cancer patients and 93 healthy individuals were compared. Cancer patients were those individuals recruited in CENTAURO and CENTAURO-2 clinical trials. RESULTS: Before vaccination, platelets of cancer patients carried more VEGF than the levels seen in platelet of healthy individuals. However, after vaccination, cancer patients had platelet VEGF values within the range established by healthy individuals, indicating that the antibody response elicited by CIGB-247 is not able to induce a complete suppression of VEGF. Vaccination with CIGB-247 helps to normalize VEGF levels within platelets.

HER1-based vaccine: Simultaneous activation of humoral and cellular immune response.

The human epidermal growth factor receptor 1 (HER1) is a tumor-associated antigen that has been validated as a clinical target for several passive, non-immune therapies currently approved for the treatment of epithelial tumors. HER1 is an oncogene that not only promotes tumor progression and survival, but also immune escape. Its overexpression in some epithelial malignancies has been correlated with a poor prognosis. We developed an approach to target HER1 by specific active immunotherapy, recognizing the extracellular domain of the receptor, using a combination of VSSP and Montanide ISA 51 as adjuvants. We summarize the results obtained with this vaccine in both the preclinical and clinical settings, emphasizing the importance of the induction of both humoral and cellular responses for the success of cancer vaccines as safe therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of cancer.

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity induced by active immunotherapy based on racotumomab in non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Antitumor strategies based on positive modulation of the immune system currently represent therapeutic options with prominent acceptance for cancer patients' treatment due to its selectivity and higher tolerance compared to chemotherapy. Racotumomab is an anti-idiotype (anti-Id) monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed to NeuGc-containing gangliosides such as NeuGcGM3, a widely reported tumor-specific neoantigen in many human cancers. Racotumomab has been approved in Latin American countries as an active immunotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. In this work, we evaluated the induction of Ab-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in NSCLC patients included in a phase III clinical trial, in response to vaccination with racotumomab. The development of anti-NeuGcGM3 antibodies (Abs) in serum samples of immunized patients was first evaluated using the NeuGcGM3-expressing X63 cells, showing that racotumomab vaccination developed antigen-specific Abs that are able to recognize NeuGcGM3 expressed in tumor cell membranes. ADCC response against NeuGcGM3-expressing X63 (target) was observed in racotumomab-treated- but not in control group patients. When target cells were depleted of gangliosides by treatment with a glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor, we observed a significant reduction of the ADCC activity developed by sera from racotumomab-vaccinated patients, suggesting a target-specific response. Our data demonstrate that anti-NeuGcGM3 Abs induced by racotumomab vaccination are able to mediate an antigen-specific ADCC response against tumor cells in NSCLC patients.

Supervivencia libre de progresión en pacientes portadores de meningiomas vacunados con nimotuzumab / Progression free survival in patients with meningioma which got Nimotuzumab vaccine

Introducción: en los últimos años la biología de los meningiomas cerebrales ha comenzado a entenderse mejor. La inmunoterapia activa contra el factor de crecimiento epidérmico es un concepto emergente, en el que se propone manipular la respuesta inmune del individuo, para generar anticuerpos específicos contra el factor de crecimiento epidérmico, capaces de bloquear la unión ligando-receptor y por consiguiente la señalización a través de este último. El receptor del factor de crecimiento epidérmico está sobrexpresado en este tipo de tumor. Objetivo: estimar la sobrevida libre de progresión de la entidad clínica y su relación con algunas variables socio-demográficas y terapéuticas seleccionadas. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, en 25 pacientes portadores de meningiomas, tratados con un anticuerpo monoclonal humanizado (AcM h-R3) (nimotuzumab), en el Hospital Provincial Docente Clínico Quirúrgico Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba, en el período comprendido entre el 1 de diciembre del 2013 y el 30 de noviembre del 2015. Resultados: el conjunto de pacientes incluidos en el estudio (n= 25) se caracterizó por el predominio del sexo femenino (60 por ciento), edad de 50 y más años (68 por ciento), piel blanca (48 por ciento) y escala de Karnofsky de 100 puntos (84 por ciento). El tiempo medio libre de progresión fue de 17 ± 8,6 meses. Conclusiones: fueron identificadas las principales características de la supervivencia libre de progresión del meningiomas en pacientes vacunados con AcM h-R3 y el tiempo fue como promedio de alrededor de año y medio(AU)

Introduction: in recent years the biology of brain meningiomas has begun to be better understood. Active immunotherapy against epidermal growth factor is an emerging concept, in which it is proposed to manipulate the immune response of the individual, to generate specific antibodies against epidermal growth factor, capable of blocking the ligand / receptor binding and therefore signaling through the latter. The epidermal growth factor receptor is overexpressed in this type of tumor. Objective: to estimate the progression free survival and its relation with some selected socio-demographic and therapeutic variables. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 25 patients with meningiomas, treated with a humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb h-R3) (Nimotuzumab), in the Provincial Clinical-Surgical Teaching Hospital Saturnino Lora of Santiago de Cuba, from December 1, 2013 to November 30, 2015. Results: the group of patients included in the study (n= 25), was characterized by the predominance of females (60 percent), age 50 and over (68 percent), white skin (48 percent) and Karnofsky scale of 100 points (84 percent). The mean progression-free time was 17 ± 8.6 months. Conclusions: the main characteristics of progression-free survival of meningiomas were identified in patients vaccinated with mAb h-R3 and the progression-free time reached almost of a year and a half(AU)

Supervivencia libre de progresión en pacientes portadores de meningiomas vacunados con nimotuzumab / Progression free survival in patients with meningioma which got Nimotuzumab vaccine

Introducción: en los últimos años la biología de los meningiomas cerebrales ha comenzado a entenderse mejor. La inmunoterapia activa contra el factor de crecimiento epidérmico es un concepto emergente, en el que se propone manipular la respuesta inmune del individuo, para generar anticuerpos específicos contra el factor de crecimiento epidérmico, capaces de bloquear la unión ligando-receptor y por consiguiente la señalización a través de este último. El receptor del factor de crecimiento epidérmico está sobrexpresado en este tipo de tumor. Objetivo: estimar la sobrevida libre de progresión de la entidad clínica y su relación con algunas variables socio-demográficas y terapéuticas seleccionadas. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, en 25 pacientes portadores de meningiomas, tratados con un anticuerpo monoclonal humanizado (AcM h-R3) (nimotuzumab), en el Hospital Provincial Docente Clínico Quirúrgico Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba, en el período comprendido entre el 1 de diciembre del 2013 y el 30 de noviembre del 2015. Resultados: el conjunto de pacientes incluidos en el estudio (n= 25) se caracterizó por el predominio del sexo femenino (60 por ciento), edad de 50 y más años (68 por ciento), piel blanca (48 por ciento) y escala de Karnofsky de 100 puntos (84 por ciento). El tiempo medio libre de progresión fue de 17 ± 8,6 meses. Conclusiones: fueron identificadas las principales características de la supervivencia libre de progresión del meningiomas en pacientes vacunados con AcM h-R3 y el tiempo fue como promedio de alrededor de año y medio(AU)

Introduction: in recent years the biology of brain meningiomas has begun to be better understood. Active immunotherapy against epidermal growth factor is an emerging concept, in which it is proposed to manipulate the immune response of the individual, to generate specific antibodies against epidermal growth factor, capable of blocking the ligand / receptor binding and therefore signaling through the latter. The epidermal growth factor receptor is overexpressed in this type of tumor. Objective: to estimate the progression free survival and its relation with some selected socio-demographic and therapeutic variables. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 25 patients with meningiomas, treated with a humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb h-R3) (Nimotuzumab), in the Provincial Clinical-Surgical Teaching Hospital Saturnino Lora of Santiago de Cuba, from December 1, 2013 to November 30, 2015. Results: the group of patients included in the study (n= 25), was characterized by the predominance of females (60 percent), age 50 and over (68 percent), white skin (48 percent) and Karnofsky scale of 100 points (84 percent). The mean progression-free time was 17 ± 8.6 months. Conclusions: the main characteristics of progression-free survival of meningiomas were identified in patients vaccinated with mAb h-R3 and the progression-free time reached almost of a year and a half(AU)

Análise do perfil sociodemográfico de notificados para hepatite B e imunização contra a doença / Análisis sociodemográfico del reportado hepatitis B y la inmunización contra la enfermedad / Sociodemographic analysis of reported hepatitis B and immunization against the disease

Objective: To analyze the socio-demographic profile of reported hepatitis B and immunization against the disease. Methods: Study Hepatitis B notification data in the surveillance of a Minas Gerais’ municipality, from 2007 to 2015, conducted at the Labor Education Program for Health descriptive and analytical statistics, with significance level of p < 0.05. Results: 132 cases and two deaths were notified. The age of the reported cases ranged from zero to 87 years, average 35.8 (± 14.0) years. More frequently for men (52.3%) and with low education (64.8%). Most of them did not vaccinate (81.8%) and had positive result of HSBsAg serology (90.1%); immunization was not linked to the socio-demographic profile (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Age, education and gender were not associated with immunization, vaccination schedule and the HSBsAg test. The absence of vaccination among the notified suggests need for health education among the population, orienting the possibility of protection by immunization.

Objetivo: Analisar o perfil sociodemográfico dos notificados para hepatite B e a imunização contra a doença. Métodos: Estudo com dados de notificação de hepatite B na vigilância epidemiológica do município de Minas Gerais, entre 2007 a 2015, conduzido no Programa de Educação pelo Trabalho para a Saúde. Estatística descritiva e analítica, com nível de significância p < 0,05. Resultados: Notificaram-se 132 casos e dois óbitos. A idade dos notificados variou de zero a 87 anos, média de 35,8 (± 14,0) anos. Maior frequência para homens (52,3%) e baixa escolaridade (64,8%). A maioria não vacinou (81,8%) e teve resultado da sorologia HSBsAg positivo (90,1%); a imunização não se associou ao perfil sociodemográfico (p > 0,05). Conclusão: Idade, escolaridade e sexo não foram associados à imunização, ao esquema vacinal ou ao teste HSBsAg. A ausência de vacinação entre os notificados sugere a necessidade de educação em saúde junto à população, orientando-a sobre possibilidade de proteção pela imunização.

Objetivo: Analizar el perfil sociodemográfico reportado de hepatitis B y la inmunización contra la enfermedad. Métodos: Estudio de datos de notificación de la hepatitis B en la vigilancia del municipio de Minas Gerais, de 2007 a 2015, realizadas en el Programa de Educación para el Trabajo de estadística descriptiva y analítica de la Salud, con un nivel de significación de p<0,05. Resultados: 132 casos fueron notificados; dos muertes. La edad del reportado varió de cero a 87 años, con una media de 35,8 (± 14,0) años. Con mayor frecuencia entre los hombres (52,3%) y baja educación (64,8%). La mayoría no vacunados (81,8%) y tuvo resultado positivo de HSBsAg serología (90,1%); la inmunización no vinculado al perfil sociodemográfico (p > 0,05). Conclusión: La edad, la educación y el sexo no se asociaron con la inmunización, calendario de vacunación y la prueba HSBsAg. La ausencia de vacunación entre los notificados sugiere la necesidad de educación para la salud entre la población, orientando la posibilidad de protección mediante la vacunación.

Characteristics of the specific humoral response in patients with advanced solid tumors after active immunotherapy with a VEGF vaccine, at different antigen doses and using two distinct adjuvants.

BACKGROUND: CIGB-247, a VSSP-adjuvanted VEGF-based vaccine, was evaluated in a phase I clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors (CENTAURO). Vaccination with the maximum dose of antigen showed an excellent safety profile, exhibited the highest immunogenicity and was the only one showing a reduction on platelet VEGF bioavailability. However, this antigen dose level did not achieve a complete seroconversion rate in vaccinated patients. These clinical results led us to the question whether a "reserve" of untapped immune response potential against VEGF could exist in cancer patients. To address this matter, CENTAURO-2 clinical trial was conducted where antigen and VSSP dose scale up were studied, and also incorporated the exploration of aluminum phosphate as adjuvant. These changes were made with the aim to increase immune response against VEGF. RESULTS: The present study reports the characterization of the humoral response elicited by CIGB-247 from the combining of different antigen doses and adjuvants. Cancer patients were immunologically monitored for approximately 1 year. Vaccination with different CIGB-247 formulations exhibited a very positive safety profile. Cancer patients developed IgM, IgG or IgA antibodies specific to VEGF. Elicited polyclonal antibodies had the ability to block the interaction between VEGF and its receptors, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2. The highest humoral response was detected in patients immunized with 800 µg of antigen + 200 µg of VSSP. Off-protocol long-term vaccination did not produce negative changes in humoral response. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination with a human VEGF variant molecule as antigen in combination with VSSP or aluminum phosphate is immunogenic. The results of this study could contribute to the investigation of this vaccine therapy in an adequately powered efficacy trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number: RPCEC00000155. Cuban Public Clinical Trial Registry. Date of registration: June 06, 2013. Available from: http://registroclinico.sld.cu/ .

A Phase III Clinical Trial of the Epidermal Growth Factor Vaccine CIMAvax-EGF as Switch Maintenance Therapy in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients.

PURPOSE: EGFR is a well-validated target for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). CIMAvax-EGF is a therapeutic cancer vaccine composed of human recombinant EGF conjugated to a carrier protein and Montanide ISA51 as adjuvant. The vaccine is intended to induce antibodies against self EGFs that block EGF-EGFR interaction. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: To evaluate overall survival, safety, immunogenicity, and EGF concentration in serum after CIMAvax-EGF, a randomized phase III trial was done in patients with advanced NSCLC. Four to 6 weeks after first-line chemotherapy, 405 patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC were randomly assigned to a vaccine group, which received CIMAvax-EGF or a control group, treated with best supportive care. RESULTS: Long-term vaccination was very safe. Most frequent adverse reactions were grade 1 or 2 injection-site pain, fever, vomiting, and headache. Vaccination induced anti-EGF antibodies and decreased serum EGF concentration. In the safety population, median survival time (MST) was 10.83 months in the vaccine arm versus 8.86 months in the control arm. These differences were not significant according the standard log rank (HR, 0.82; P = 0.100), but according a weighted log rank (P = 0.04) that was applied once the nonproportionality of the HR was verified. Survival benefit was significant (HR, 0.77; P = 0.036) in the per-protocol setting (patients receiving at least four vaccine doses): MST was 12.43 months for the vaccine arm versus 9.43 months for the control arm. MST was higher (14.66 months) for vaccinated patients with high EGF concentration at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Switch maintenance with CIMAvax-EGF was well tolerated and significantly increased MST of patients that completed induction vaccination. Baseline EGF concentration predicted survival benefit. Clin Cancer Res; 22(15); 3782-90. ©2016 AACR.